Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer Community Workshops - 15th August in Dardanup & 3rd September in Donnybrook

Did you know? Australia's response to Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer (PSHB) is transitioning from eradication to long-term management after experts determined that national eradication is no longer technically feasible. This makes informed community members more important than ever. By becoming extra eyes on the ground and knowing what to look for, we can all play a part in helping slow the spread of this highly destructive invasive pest and protect the trees that define our landscapes and communities.

The best defence for our trees is thousands of informed eyes. Be one of them.

Would you know what to look for?

To help answer that question, Leschenault Biosecurity Group is partnering with experts from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to deliver a practical community workshop.

Join us at one of these two DPIRD-led workshops.

Community members are our greatest early warning system. Learn how you can help protect our trees from the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer.

• 10am - noon, Saturday, 15th August; Where: The Dardanup Hall, 19 Ferguson Rd, Dardanup WA

• 1pm - 3pm, Thursday, 3rd September at the Donnybrook Recreation Ctr, 15/17 Steere St, Donnybrook WA

Protecting Our Trees Starts with Knowing What to Look For

At just 2 mm long (about the size of a sesame seed), the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer (PSHB) is easy to overlook. Yet, this tiny beetle has the potential to cause enormous damage, attacking hundreds of tree species and, in many cases, leading to branch dieback and tree death.

While PSHB has not been detected outside of the Perth metropolitan area, community awareness of what to look to help protect our region's trees is becoming increasingly important as Australia’s national response transitions from eradication efforts to long-term management of this invasive pest by the end of 2026.

This new phase places greater emphasis on community awareness, early detection and practical action to help slow the spread of this incredibly destructive pest.

Whether you own a rural property, live on a suburban block with mature trees, volunteer in bushlands/reserves, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, you could be among the first to notice signs of PSHB.

Come along for practical guidance that will give you the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs of PSHB, collect samples correctly and best actions we as community members can take in helping to protect the trees in our area. As our national response transitions from eradication to long-term management, informed community members will play an increasingly important role in helping protect our region's trees from this highly destructive, invasive pest.

You don't need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to know what to look for.